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Defense Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Vulcan Elements

Network Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

Required : • 3+ years of experience in network engineering, preferably in a manufacturing, defense, or government-regulated environment. • Hands-on experience designing or maintaining OT/IT ...

Berriehill Research

Senior Systems Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in growing and managing a team developing digital engineering and mission analysis capabilities for the Department of Defense. We are seeking an ...

ARA

Senior Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

... Defense (DoD) programs. In this role, you will take high-level program goals and turn them into ... Senior Software Engineer Responsibilities: * Help lead the design and implementation of software ...

Berriehill Research

Senior Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

... Defense (DoD) programs. In this role, you will take high-level program goals and turn them into ... Senior Software Engineer Responsibilities: * Help lead the design and implementation of software ...

ARA

Senior Systems Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in growing and managing a team developing digital engineering and mission analysis capabilities for the Department of Defense. We are seeking an ...

Vulcan Elements

Network Engineer

Durham, NC

... as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is ... As a Network Engineer, you will design, deploy, and maintain the network infrastructure that powers ...

Vulcan Elements

Network Engineer

Benson, NC

... as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is ... As a Network Engineer, you will design, deploy, and maintain the network infrastructure that powers ...

Vulcan Elements

Network Engineer

Raleigh, NC

... as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is ... As a Network Engineer, you will design, deploy, and maintain the network infrastructure that powers ...

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All JobsDefense Engineer JobsDefense Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Defense Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$35.3K

$101.7K

$157.6K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in Raleigh, NC is $101,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,909.00 and $126,138.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Defense Engineers typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during project development?

Defense Engineers frequently work alongside professionals from various disciplines, including software developers, systems analysts, project managers, and manufacturing specialists. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as complex defense projects require integrating multiple technologies and adhering to strict security protocols. Regular meetings, technical reviews, and cross-functional design sessions are common, ensuring that engineering solutions meet both technical requirements and regulatory standards. Being adaptable and open to feedback from different perspectives is key to success in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Defense Engineer vs Systems Engineer?

AspectDefense EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Security Clearances often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Systems or related fields
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, government agencies, military projectsVarious industries including aerospace, IT, manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and military sectorsBroad industry use, including defense, tech, and aerospace
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for technical and security aspectsCompared for project management and system integration skills

Defense Engineers focus on designing and developing military and defense systems, often requiring security clearances and working within defense sectors. Systems Engineers have a broader role in integrating complex systems across various industries, including defense, but with less emphasis on security clearances. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in industry focus and project scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Defense Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and systems design, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field and security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, modeling tools, and knowledge of defense industry standards or certifications like ITAR compliance is often required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the development of reliable, secure, and innovative defense systems that meet stringent safety and regulatory requirements.

What are Defense Engineers?

Defense Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain technologies and systems used for national defense and security. Their work may include developing weapons, surveillance equipment, communications systems, and protective gear for military use. They often collaborate with government agencies and defense contractors to ensure that products meet stringent safety and performance standards. Defense Engineers apply principles from fields such as mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering to solve complex challenges related to defense technology.
What are popular job titles related to Defense Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Defense Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Defense Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,707 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Network Engineer

Vulcan Elements

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Vulcan Elements is manufacturing American rare-earth permanent magnets for a secure, resilient future. As a Network Engineer, you will design, deploy, and maintain the network infrastructure that powers our office and manufacturing facilities, ensuring secure, reliable, and high-performance connectivity across IT and Operational Technology environments.
Responsibilities:
• Network Design and Deployment: Architect, implement, and maintain LAN/WAN/WLAN infrastructure across office and manufacturing environments using Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti UniFi platforms.
• OT Network Management: Design and maintain segmented OT/IT network environments supporting industrial control systems, PLCs, and manufacturing floor devices. Enforce strict zone isolation in accordance with NIST and CMMC control families.
• Security and Compliance: Implement and enforce network security controls aligned with NIST and CMMC requirements, including access control, boundary protection, audit logging, and incident response.
• Firewall and Segmentation: Configure and manage firewalls, VLANs, ACLs, and micro-segmentation policies to protect CUI and sensitive manufacturing data.
• Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Proactively monitor network health, respond to outages, and perform root cause analysis across both IT and OT segments.
• VPN and Remote Access: Administer and maintain secure remote access solutions including site-to-site and client VPN configurations, ensuring least-privilege access.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed network diagrams, configuration baselines, change logs, and system security plans (SSPs) as required for CMMC assessments.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, Operations, and IT teams to support network requirements for automation, data acquisition, and production systems.
• Government and Compliance Support: Support internal audits, CMMC assessments, and government contract compliance reviews with thorough documentation and evidence collection.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 3+ years of experience in network engineering, preferably in a manufacturing, defense, or government-regulated environment.
• Hands-on experience designing or maintaining OT/IT converged networks including familiarity with industrial protocols (Modbus, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET) and ICS/SCADA network architecture.
• Direct hands-on experience with Cisco Meraki (switching, wireless, security appliances) and Ubiquiti UniFi (switches, APs, gateways) required.
• Working knowledge of NIST 800-171, CMMC, and network-level controls.
• Strong fundamentals in BGP, OSPF, spanning tree, VLANs, QoS, and SD-WAN concepts.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve complex network issues across both IT and OT environments with minimal downtime.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work in a manufacturing environment, and perform cable runs, rack installations, and equipment mounting.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.
Preferred:
• Experience supporting or preparing for CMMC assessments is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience supporting federal contractors, DoD programs, or government-adjacent facilities with CUI handling and export-controlled environments (ITAR/EAR).
• Preferred Certifications: Cisco CCNA or CCNP, Meraki ECMS, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+
Company:
Vulcan Elements is a manufacturer of rare-earth magnets used in critical defense and commercial applications. Founded in 2023, the company is headquartered in Cambridge, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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